Shortage Of Drivers In Waste Industry

It has been reported over the previous few weeks that a number of Recycling companies are taking action to tackle a reported national shortage of qualified drivers.

The shortage has been increased due to a number of factors including job demands as well as the strict requirements around licensing for drivers. Concerns have also been raised of the availability of drivers post-Brexit.

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) confirmed that driver shortage has been an ongoing concern for the last 15 years if not more.

James Hookham, deputy chief executive of the FTA said: “It’s a big problem and it’s not going away."

“There’s several factors, it’s quite demanding work, it’s not a cosy office job. It also demands a lot of energy and attention. You can’t just do a course. You need a licence and training, and it’s quite expensive. So you can’t just walk out of a job and become a driver – it’s quite tough to get in to.”

It was also further explained that there is a low number of women joining the field, which is thought to be for a number of reasons, including lack of roadside facilities, which he said local authorities need to do more to provide. Mr Hookham also outlined the need to appeal to a younger generation.